Sam Lambert

The NT Connection 

As a family we moved to Darwin, Northern Territory when I was 5 years old. Lucky for us there is a great motorcycle cntflag[1]lub here called TERRA and Dad was in his element. Over the years I tried footy, basketball, cricket and soccer but motorbikes were in my blood and won out in the end. I don’t know how many km’s I’ve done on the Hidden Valley circuit. Its a great track combining a 1.1 km wide open blast down the straight with a very technical series of corners around the back. I have raced on most circuits in Hidden-Valley[1]Australia and I might be biased in saying but Hidden Valley is my favourite next to Phillip Island. I have enjoyed much success on this track.  In 2012 we moved to Brisbane but I will always consider the NT my home and count myself fortunate for all the opportunities I was given. “You can take the boy out of the NT, but you can’t take the NT out of the boy!”

 

What got me into motorbikes?

When I was about 11 years old my dad came home with a magazine that had a story about pocket bikes. He showed it to me and asked if I was interested in riding one. I said yes and was pretty much hooked from that time onwards. I raced around on the pocket bike in the car park at Hidden Valley, Darwin. Dad used to make up a little race track using cones. It wasn’t long before I hoped onto a Metrakit 70cc and was speeding around the Hidden Valley race track. A couple of other junior kids up here got into it as well and we had some good battles. I also got to go to the Broadford track and that was pretty awesome. I was definitely hooked and knew I wanted motor bikes in my present and future. As soon as I turned 14, I got the opportunity to race on a 125cc. I was so excited to be on a bigger and faster bike.

Mum reckons I took to it like a duck to water. Once I got quick on the old 94 model RS125, dad asked if I wanted to go national racing on a 2006 model RS125 - of course my answer was a very quick YES!

I finished my first year of national racing in 3rd position. I was stoked. I really love being at the track and when I get on the bike I am like a different person. I focus; I get really motivated and just love being on the bike. It wasn’t long after finishing that year that I was approached by a superbike team, ‘Cube Racing’ owned by Ben Henry (super bike racer) and he asked if I would like to join his team racing a 600cc super stock. Dad and I tossed up the pros and cons of leaving the 125cc after only one year racing on it. We felt that I was ready for the challenge of a bigger bike and the second I got on the 600cc it was magic.

I think I have been performing really well and I have learnt so much about racing and mechanics. I am really focused on my racing and developing my riding skills. I spend a lot of time on personal training which helps keep my fitness and focus when I’m not on the track. I have been fortunate to have a family that has supported my dreams and goals.  Its a pretty tough journey but with the help of some generous sponsors and support from people in the community it helps keeps my dream alive.  My ultimate goal is to end up in the World Super Bike Series.
                                                                                       
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 Experience and Accomplishments

Began riding motorbikes aged 5. Started competitive racing aged 11.

2008 Northern Territory Champion Junior Road Racing
2008 South Australian Junior Championships – 4th place
2008 Set and re-set circuit lap records for the Junior 70cc class at Hidden Valley Raceway, Darwin
2009 Northern Territory Champion 125cc category
2009 Local club (TERRA) 125cc champion
Excellent placed finishes in his first national events
2010 3rd place (Podium)  Australian Super Bike Series 125cc
2010 Nominated for the “Northern Territory Young Achievers Award” – sports category 2010 and 2011 and also the “NT Sports Award” 2010. 
2010 Achieved the Duke of Edinburgh bronze award as part of my racing experience
2011

A successful year learning the new 600cc bike and becoming a part of the Cube Racing Superbike team. (Finished top 10)

Selected to participate in the Talent Ed Program - a Northern Territory initiative by Starwin Management to help up and coming sports young

men and women TalentEd
2012 Only able to complete half a race season but on track to finish 5th for the season on the GSXR 600. Finished 3rd on Podium in Round 2 at Darwin.
2013 Unable to compete this year
2014

Took possession of a new Triumph 675R and proceeded to develop the new model with backing from Triumph both here and in the UK.

Regularly fought for podium positions with the top 3 competitors in the country. After surgery from breaking a leg he missed the rest of the season.

Preparation is underway for 2015 season and Sam has secured a wildcard ride in the World Super Sport at Phillip Island in February.
2015

Wildcard ride in the WSBK on Triumph 600cc.  Unfortunately Sam was run off track and he broke some ribs and was unable to compete. 

Missed the first round of the ASBK series but finished 5th overall for the season (riding with a broken collar bone).
2016

Signed up with Moto-breakers Racing Team in the UK to ride in the BSB (super sport 600) series        

Signed with Tsingtoa Hampshire MV Augusta racing team 600 super sport – finished on podium (2nd) at Assen Netherlands Dutch super stock comp.
2017

Australian FX-Superbike Championship – 2017 SUPERSPORT CHAMPION  (Yamaha R6) #21